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Time to Relax

I don't know how to say this, as it is hard for me...
My health has gone down hill, and my doctors tell me I must get away from computers.
My hobby for the past 20 years has been my passion and something I have felt very strongly about.
Now it's time for me to pass the torch and let others carry on.

Here is some of my history highlights I'd like to share with you....

I have done alot for the computer community starting way back in 1983.
I ran a free BBS and provided free Netmail, echomail, forums and free downloads of files.
I taught folks how to repair their computers and get more performance from them.
I also provided coverage to 1/3 of the globe for email/netmail and files.
There were 3 of us in the United States and we split the costs amongst ourselves to provide this free service back when there were only modems.
At the height of my 'career/hobby' I had a total of 6 top of the line high speed modems and had folks from Russia, Japan, China and Australia, to name few, dialing in to exchange their email/files/netmail from their regions, then I would process that new incomming information and pass it to the other two stars so they could exchange it with their territories and they back to me and round and round it went.
I also had satellite feeds 24/7 to help pull in all the usenet newsgroups and files, convert to/from usenet/fidonet formats, and pass it on to keep the information flowing. I belonged to an organization called FidoNet and I had 7 Servers at that time.
I was referred to as the 'Western Star' and did this for 2+ years before the internet took off.
At that time I retired the BBS and passed on my duties to others. That was back in 1995.
Since that time, I dabbled and fumbled around until I ran into SETI and Ars back in 1999 where the DC bug bit me.
I hosted almost every Ars Team, including Team Lamb Chop, for about a year, gave free email services to those that needed and asked for it, hosted several other sites that need homes and recently put up a stats server for Free-DC with the help of DP and magnav0x.
I am currently still hosting the Ars SuperComputer and the Free-DC Super Computer along with the Stats Server. Maybe someday I can get someone to take this off my hands.

I will still be around, but you will see a severe drop in my output as I try to wean myself away from computers and find a new hobby.

I have made a lot of friendships that I will cherish forever.

With that said, help yourself to the virtual fridge, I'll try to keep it well stocked.

Though I was aware of your health concerns I never though it would entirly result to this.

words do not describe the benefits others have gained from your experience and efforts

A99 sumed it up great. You have been a great guy to have around. I've looked up to you as long as I was sucked into distributed computing and the two years I have been in the Free-DC community. I realy hate to see you go, but I also know that your health is and has to be your main priority. With you leaving I look back and wish I could have given to the Free-DC community as you have and I know no one could ever replace your presence here. You have helped so many, given so much of your own time, and even given out of your own pocket to help everyone here. I have learned many things from you. You truely are a kind and wise man. As mentioned above, I hope you don't have to leave perminantly, as I would like to keep in touch. I mean come on....whoelse is gonna do my regexp's

All in all, I hope I can better manag my time and do some worthwile things to help out in the community in your absence. More importantly I hope your health improves so you can enjoy every opportunity that life throws your way. I would like to say I will miss you greatly while you are gone, but those words will do no justice.

/me tips his hat at IronBits

GROUP HUG EVERYONE!

btw....if you need a nice quiet hobby I think I can pick you up some sticking needles

In memory of your efforts and contributions I vow to only run health related DC projects for now on.

Agent Smith was right!: "I hate this place. This zoo. This prison. This reality, whatever you want to call it, I can't stand it any longer. It's the smell! If there is such a thing. I feel saturated by it. I can taste your stink and every time I do, I fear that I've somehow been infected by it."

In a small garage, far far away, close to the Prime Meridian, Greenwich, London, UK

Posts

53

IronBits,

I am sorry to hear that . Well, it gives you an opportunity of finding something new to get interested in .

As one of the people you have passed something on to, the ars DC team sites, I must tell you, and everyone else, that the whole process was a pleasure. You made sure that I got it up and working properly and any problems was quickly and efficiently dealt with. Thanks.

I hope that I, one day when that time comes around, will be able to pass it on to the next guy with the same level of support as you did to me.

I am happy to hear that you will be still around - there is always a bit of comfort in the knowledge that someone better and brighter is there behind you and keeps a tab on you, in case you need it.

Maybe you are one of the first with this message from your doctor, but I am sure you will not be the last, as we are a fairly new industry. I guess the saying will go: Old crunchers never die, they just fade away

IB,
I am sorry to hear this and like the rest of us GEEKS I know it is not going to be easy to "Step away from the computer".
You have been a hub for ARS for a long time. You have provided a valuable service to our great community.

I hope you can find some relaxing hobbies, Ironbits. The last few years, I found I had to do non-computer stuff (roast coffee, hand spin wool, read, carve soapstone, etc.) in order to keep my body and mind going. Amazingly enough, there are interesting things going on out there in the big room.

Go take care of yourself, IB, and let some of the young whippersnappers take up the slack <g>.

:(

For as long as I've been doing DC, the only thing more consistent than my absence was IB's presence. Your dedication is appreciated, if generally unsung. So thanks, for pimping the Gauntlets and pushing new projects and gibbering people with bits of iron.

Dittos to what's been said. From my limited perspective, you've been a cross between the kindly all-knowing grandfather and the sugar daddy for many here. May God bless you with better health and continued happiness through service in whatever way you find.

What they said! You are a friend to all.
You make people feel comfortable in your (electronic) presence.
May all, and only good things come your way.
Paying particular attention to my current saying, below.

I would like to take this moment and thank all of those non Free-DC members that have dropped in to give their consolidations to IronBits. I'm sure it means a lot to him to have such a warm fairwell amongst the great ol'mighty powers that we coincide with.